U.S. patent application number 12/603868 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for device and method for communication between a portable computer system and items of avionics equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airbus Operations. Invention is credited to Frederique Delannoy, Sebastien Delautier, Pierre Depape, Frederic DURAND, Philippe Moreau, Sebastien Saletzki.
Application Number | 20100105329 12/603868 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40757014 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100105329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DURAND; Frederic ; et
al. |
April 29, 2010 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTER
SYSTEM AND ITEMS OF AVIONICS EQUIPMENT
Abstract
The device for communication between a portable computer system
(128) comprising a display screen and avionic equipment items
(150), which comprises: at least one wide band high output wireless
transmitter-receiver (104), adapted for carrying out a very short
range point-to-point radio communication with the said portable
computer system and at least one interface (106) connected to the
said avionic equipment items and adapted for transmitting data
originating from the portable computer system to the avionic
equipment items and data originating from the avionic equipment
items to the portable computer system, through at least one said
transmitter-receiver. In some embodiments, this device is
incorporated into a docking station (102), comprises a wireless
feed (144) and a second transmitter-receiver (140) adapted for
communicating with the portable computer system outside the said
docking station.
Inventors: |
DURAND; Frederic; (Toulouse,
FR) ; Delannoy; Frederique; (Pujaudran, FR) ;
Moreau; Philippe; (Toulouse, FR) ; Depape;
Pierre; (Paulhac, FR) ; Delautier; Sebastien;
(Toulouse, FR) ; Saletzki; Sebastien;
(Cornebarrieu, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Airbus Operations
Toulouse Cedex
FR
|
Family ID: |
40757014 |
Appl. No.: |
12/603868 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/41.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3877 20130101;
G06F 1/1632 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/41.2 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/00 20060101
H04B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 2008 |
FR |
08 05856 |
Claims
1- Device for communication between a portable computer system
comprising a display screen and avionic equipment items, that
comprises at least one wide band high output wireless
transmitter-receiver, adapted for carrying out a very short range
point-to-point radio communication with the said portable computer
system and at least one interface connected to the said avionic
equipment items and adapted for transmitting data originating from
the portable computer system to the avionic equipment items and
data originating from the avionic equipment items to the portable
computer system, by means of at least one said
transmitter-receiver.
2- Device according to claim 1, in which the said wide band is of
UWB type (acronym for "Ultra Wide Band").
3- Device according to claim 2, in which the said
transmitter-receiver is incorporated into a docking station.
4- Device according to claim 3, in which the said docking station
comprises shielded walls constituting a Faraday cage, at least
partially.
5- Device according to claim 2, in which the said docking station
comprises a second transmitter-receiver adapted for communicating
with the said portable computer system when the said portable
computer system is located outside the said docking station.
6- Device according to claim 5, that comprises a means for
automatic switching between the transmitter-receivers adapted for
communicating with the said portable computer system according to
the power of the signal received by the said transmitter-receivers
adapted for communicating with the portable computer system.
7- Device according to claim 1, that comprises a wireless feed.
8- Device according to claim 7, in which the said wireless feed
employs an electromagnetic induction.
9- Device according to claim 1, in which the said
transmitter-receiver is incorporated into a docking station.
10- Device according to claim 9, in which the said docking station
comprises shielded walls constituting a Faraday cage, at least
partially.
11- Device according to claim 9, in which the said docking station
comprises a second transmitter-received adapted for communicating
with the said portable computer system when the said portable
computer system is located outside the said docking station.
12- Device according to claim 11, in which the said docking station
comprises shielded walls constituting a Faraday cage, at least
partially.
13- Device according to claim 11, which comprises a means for
automatic switching between the transmitter-receivers adapted for
communicating with the said portable computer system according to
the power of the signal received by the said transmitter-receivers
adapted for communicating with the portable computer system.
14- Device according to claim 13, in which the said docking station
comprises shielded walls constituting a Faraday cage, at least
partially.
15- Method for communication between a portable computer system
comprising a display screen and avionic equipment items, that
comprises a step of wide band high output wireless communicating
over a very short range point-to-point radio link with the said
portable computer system in order to transmit data originating from
the avionic equipment items to the portable computer system and a
step of communicating with the said avionic equipment items in
order to transmit data originating from the portable computer
system to the avionic equipment items.
16- Method according to claim 15, in which, during the step of high
output wireless communicating, the said wide band is of UWB type
(acronym for "Ultra Wide Band").
17- Method according to claim 16, in which the step of wide band
high output wireless communicating over a very short range
point-to-point radio link is carried out when the said portable
computer system is located in a docking station, by employing a
first transmitter-receiver, the method further comprising a step of
communicating with the said portable computer system by employing a
second transmitter-receiver, when the said portable computer system
is located outside the said docking station.
18- Method according to claim 17, which comprises a step of
automatic switching between the steps of communicating with the
said portable computer system, the said switching being performed
according to the power of the signal received by the said
transmitter-receivers adapted for communicating with the portable
computer system.
19- Method according to claim 15, in which the step of wide band
high output wireless communicating over a very short range
point-to-point radio link is carried out when the said portable
computer system is located in a docking station, by employing a
first transmitter-receiver, the method further comprising a step of
communicating with the said portable computer system by employing a
second transmitter-receiver, when the said portable computer system
is located outside the said docking station.
20- Method according to claim 19, which comprises a step of
automatic switching between the steps of communicating with the
said portable computer system, the said switching being performed
according to the power of the signal received by the said
transmitter-receivers adapted for communicating with the portable
computer system.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a device and a method for
communication between a portable computer system and avionic
equipment items. It applies especially to the areas of air
transports and in particular deals with use of a very high output
wireless technology between the information system of the airplane
and a portable terminal used by a pilot or a maintenance operator.
This terminal can be, for example, a portable computer, a
tablet-type computer ("tablet PC"), a personal digital assistant
("PDA") or a removable monitor.
[0002] Portable terminals of EFB type (acronym for "Electronic
Flight Bag" or electronic flight bag) nowadays are connected by
wire to the airplane systems, and this for several reasons. It is a
matter, on the one hand, of keeping their performances
satisfactory, for example in terms of video link of the EFB to a
fixed screen of the airplane; on the other hand, of taking security
constraints into account (a physical connection makes it possible
to avoid any risk of attack ("hacking") between the terminal and
the system of the airplane. Furthermore, it is a matter of
preventing problems of electromagnetic interferences. In fact, the
power levels of a WiFi link (acronym for "Wireless Fidelity" for
fidelity without wire), which is the technology most considered
nowadays for this type of application, make an in-flight use
difficult.
[0003] Very high output point-to-point links, for example of WPAN
type (acronym for "Wireless Personal Area Network" for a local
personal network without film), of UWB type (acronym for "Ultra
Wide Band" for ultra wide band), are not used in this type of
applications, but rather to interconnect peripherals of personal
computers or PDA with each other, or for example to interconnect
multimedia systems without wiring. Other technologies can be used,
such as, for example, wireless USB, or "WUSB" (acronym for
"Wireless Universal Serial Bus" for universal serial bus without
wire).
[0004] EFB-type mobile terminals are installed in a docking station
("docking station") in order to allow: [0005] a use of the EFB
during the critical phases of flight and in particular to consult
the approach maps for landing, [0006] accessing airplane data
(positions, . . . ), [0007] the EFB to use the services of the
on-board ("on board") infrastructure, for example communication
services and [0008] recharging the battery of the terminal.
[0009] The EFB then is connected physically by one or more
connectors to the docking station (also designated as "DS" in the
remainder of the document) in order to make it possible to access
deported control means such as the keyboard, the airplane data, the
on-board infrastructure.
[0010] The use of the mobile terminal during non-critical phases
(that is, without storage in the docking station) is difficult to
accomplish because of the connections (number of connectors between
the mobile terminal and the docking station). Furthermore, these
repeated operations (at least two times per flight) place heavy
demands on the connections and threaten a limited reliability of
the system. Moreover, these operations reduce the flexibility of
use of the mobile terminal by making it less easy to use when it is
installed in a docking station.
[0011] Certain airplanes or avionic systems can use a tablet
portable computer ("tablet PC") or a removable screen, which
necessitate interconnections and performance. The same type of
solution as described above then can be considered.
[0012] It is essential to make any direct link between the EFB and
the systems of the airplane very highly secure. The technologies
widely used to date have the drawback of imposing a rather high
range for reasonable performances, which makes them vulnerable. For
example, the radio signals are accessible outside the airplane or
in the cabin.
[0013] This invention seeks to remedy these drawbacks.
[0014] To this end, according to a first aspect, this invention
applies to a device for communication between a portable computer
system comprising a display screen and avionic equipment items,
characterized in that it comprises: [0015] at least one wide band
high output wireless transmitter-receiver, adapted for carrying out
a very short range point-to-point radio communication with the said
portable computer system and [0016] at least one interface
connected to the said avionic equipment items and adapted for
transmitting data originating from the portable computer system to
the avionic equipment items, and data originating from the avionic
equipment items to the portable computer system, through at least
one said transmitter-receiver.
[0017] The invention thus makes it possible to interconnect by a
wide band high or very high output wireless technology of WPAN type
(Wireless Personal Area Network) an EFB-type terminal or a display
terminal of the cockpit with the systems of the cockpit.
[0018] It is noted that this invention is not limited to the
interconnection of portable computers but extends to the
interconnection between docking stations and screens and/or
peripherals. Other variants are described in the patent.
[0019] Generally speaking, the invention thus makes it possible to
resolve, at least partially, the problems: [0020] of need for high
output to have real-time and voluminous data (video) conveyed,
[0021] of reducing connections, to make it possible to increase the
reliability of the system, [0022] of making exchanges secure,
[0023] of simplifying the installation of the system in the
airplane, and thus reducing the costs of wiring (in installation as
well as in maintenance), [0024] of using an EFB both as a portable
terminal and as a central processing unit ("CPU") because the
connection with the on-board systems is permanent and [0025] of
electromagnetic interferences.
[0026] The implementation of this invention has advantages in
particular in terms: [0027] of operation, since there is no need
for physical connection between the portable system and the avionic
equipment items and therefore no problem of connector wear and
tear, and reduced installation difficulties, [0028] of
confidentiality, because the very short range of the wide band
technologies used offers better conditions for ensuring the
confidentiality of exchanges, [0029] of health risk, since the
WPAN-type technologies (for example UWB) are dedicated to domestic
uses, therefore designed to limit electromagnetic radiation, [0030]
of risk of interference on the airplane systems, given the
considerably lower power level of UWB-type technologies (in
comparison with WiFi).
[0031] It is seen that the ultra wide band UWB communication system
is not subjected to a straight-line link (it then is said that it
is "NLOS" for Non Line Of Sight) and is designed for multiple
distances.
[0032] According to specific characteristics, the said wide band is
of UWB type (acronym for "Ultra Wide Band").
[0033] According to specific characteristics, the device that is
the object of this invention, such as briefly set forth above,
comprises a wireless feed.
[0034] By virtue of these arrangements, having to connect the
portable computer system to the lesser connector is avoided.
[0035] According to specific characteristics, the said wireless
feed employs an electromagnetic induction.
[0036] According to specific characteristics, the said
transmitter-receiver is incorporated into a docking station.
[0037] According to specific characteristics, the said docking
station comprises a second transmitter-receiver adapted for
communicating with the said portable computer system when the said
portable computer system is located outside the said docking
station.
[0038] By virtue of these arrangements, the portable computer
system can be used in the entire space of the cockpit of an
airplane.
[0039] According to specific characteristics, the device that is
the object of this invention, such as briefly set forth above,
comprises a means for automatic switching between the
transmitter-receivers adapted for communicating with the said
portable computer system according to the power of the signal
received by the said transmitter-receivers adapted for
communicating with the portable computer system.
[0040] By virtue of these arrangements, the user does not have to
be concerned about the position of the computer system or manually
switching any switch.
[0041] According to specific characteristics, the said docking
station comprises shielded walls constituting a Faraday cage, at
least partially. In this way the confidentiality of data exchanges
is even better ensured.
[0042] According to a second aspect, this invention applies to a
method for communication between a portable computer system
comprising a display screen and avionic equipment items,
characterized in that it comprises: [0043] a step of broad band
high output wireless communicating over a very short range
point-to-point radio link with the said portable computer system in
order to transmit data originating from avionic equipment items to
the portable computer system, and [0044] a step of communicating
with the said avionic equipment items in order to transmit data
originating from the portable computer system to the avionic
equipment items.
[0045] According to specific characteristics, the method that is
the object of this invention, such as briefly set forth above,
further comprises a step of automatic switching between at least
two transmitter-receivers adapted for communicating with the
portable computer system according to the power of the signal
received by the said transmitter-receivers.
[0046] Since the specific advantages purposes and characteristics
of this method are similar of those of the device that is the
object of this invention, such as briefly set forth above, they are
not repeated here.
[0047] Other specific advantages, purposes and characteristics of
this invention will become apparent from the description that is
gong to follow, presented with an explanatory and in no way
limitative intent with reference to the attached drawings, in
which:
[0048] FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the device
that is the object of this invention,
[0049] FIG. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the device
that is the object of this invention, and
[0050] FIG. 3 shows, in the form of a logic diagram, steps
implemented in a specific embodiment of the method that is the
object of this invention.
[0051] Although, in the description of FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic
flight bag has been shown in wireless communication with avionic
equipment items, this invention is not limited to this type of
portable computer system but extends, quite unlike all the portable
terminals or peripherals and, in particular the display screens, to
central units and to data storage units.
[0052] There is seen in FIG. 1 a device 100 that is the object of
this invention, which comprises a docking station 102 comprising a
transmitter-receiver 104 and an interface 106. Interface 106 is
connected, by a video link 110 and by feed links 112, to a display
screen 114, by links 116, to an electric feed 118, by a data link
120, to a touch-sensitive screen 122 associated with the display
screen 114, by a data link 124, to at least one bus 126 or to an
ANSU/SIU (acronym for "Aircraft Network Server Unit/Secure
Interface Unit" for an airplane network server unit/secure
interface unit) and, by a data line 108, to USB ports 109. Bus 126
or the ANSU/SIU are connected to avionic equipment items 150 of
known type.
[0053] An electronic flight bag EFB 128, equipped with a
transmitter-receiver 130, is inserted into docking station 102.
[0054] Docking station 102 having shielded conductive walls 134
constitutes a Faraday cage, at least partially.
[0055] Transmitter-received 104 is of wide band high output
wireless type, for example of UWB type. It is adapted for carrying
out a very short range point-to-point radio communication with
electronic flight bag 128.
[0056] The connection of interface 106 is, on the avionic side,
defined in a standard, the ARINC828--it comprises inputs referred
to as "429," a VGA video plug, a USB cable, discrete inputs (for
location identification) and feed. Furthermore, interface 106
performs conversion of signals of different types. Interface 106 is
adapted for transmitting to electronic flight bag 128 the data
circulating on bus 126 which are intended therefor and for
transmitting to bus 126 the data transmitted by the electronic
flight bag.
[0057] Electronic flight bag EFB 128, equipped with a
transmitter-receiver 130, is inserted into docking station 102.
[0058] In the case illustrated in FIG. 1, electronic flight bag 128
is installed in docking station 102. Very short range high output
wide band point-to-point radio communication is performed inside
docking station 102 in confidential manner, since the docking
station, being shielded, constitutes a Faraday cage. To this end,
docking station 102 comprises, inside, an antenna 132 and wireless
transmitter-receiver 104. Interface 106 comprises a converter for
radio signals to or from the interfaces of the avionic system.
Electronic flight bag 128 comprises transmitter-receiver 130
identical to the one of docking station 102 and an antenna 136
identical to antenna 132.
[0059] In the case illustrated in FIG. 2, docking station 102 is
further provided with a second transmitter-receiver 140 equipped
with an external antenna and an automatic switch 142 adapted for
automatically switching from one transmitter-receiver of docking
station 102 to the other, according to the power of the signal that
they receive from antenna 136 of bag 128. Communication with
electronic flight bag 128 then can be carried out just as well
inside docking station 102 as outside, in any position in the
cockpit: when electronic flight bag 128 is taken out of docking
station 102, it loses the connection with internal antenna 132 and
is automatically connected to external antenna 140, and vice
versa.
[0060] At switch 142, a "handover" (transparent transition) can be
activated, which makes it possible not to disrupt communications in
progress between electronic flight bag 128 and the avionic
systems.
[0061] It is noted that since the UWB-type communication systems
are NLOS (acronym for "Non Line Of Sight"), that is, not limited to
the existence of a direct path in a straight line between
transmitter and receiver, and designed for environments favoring
multi-distance, the fact that the antenna is positioned on the
docking station does not pose any special problem. A solution with
an antenna installed more prominently in the cockpit nonetheless
can be imagined.
[0062] It is seen in FIG. 2 that docking station 102 is equipped
with a wireless feed 144 for electronic flight bag 128, for example
by electromagnetic induction, bag 128 then comprising the necessary
components for receiving electrical power 146. In this case, the
docking station preferentially is adapted for mechanically guiding
the bag 128 so that the parts for inductive feed of the bag 128 and
of docking station 102 are positioned opposite one another when bag
128 is located in docking station 102.
[0063] As a variant, bag 128 is replaced by another type of
portable computer system, for example a display screen, a mass
storage unit, a central unit and/or a portable terminal for
maintenance (also called "PMAT"). It is noted that preferentially
the portable terminal for maintenance would not be integrated into
a docking station but brought along by a maintenance operator, and
could be connected with the docking station or a "U" antenna.
[0064] It is seen in FIG. 3 that the steps for implementation of
the communication method that is the object of this invention
comprise, in specific embodiments: [0065] a step 200 of automatic
switching between at least two transmitter-receivers adapted for
communicating with the portable computer system according to the
power of the signal received by the said transmitter-receivers,
[0066] a step 205 of wide band high output wireless communicating
over a very short range point-to-point radio link with the said
portable computer system in order to transmit data originating from
the avionic equipment items to the portable computer system, and
[0067] a step 210 of communicating with the said avionic equipment
items in order to transmit data originating from the portable
computer system to the avionic equipment items.
[0068] As is understood upon reading of the above description, the
implementation of this invention at least partially resolves the
problems of: [0069] need for high output to have real-time and
voluminous data (video) conveyed, [0070] reducing connections, to
make it possible to increase the reliability of the system, [0071]
making exchanges secure, [0072] simplifying the installation of the
system in the airplane, and thus reducing the costs of wiring (in
installation as well as in maintenance), [0073] using an EFB both
as a portable terminal and as a central processing unit ("CPU")
because the connection with the on-board systems is permanent, and
[0074] electromagnetic interferences.
[0075] The fact of using a wide band for EFB--airplane information
system data exchanges has advantages in terms: [0076] of operation:
unlike "wired" solutions, no need for physical connection,
therefore no problem of connector wear and tear/less installation
difficulty, [0077] of performances: the alternative wireless
technologies, traditional WiFi and MIMO WiFi offer lesser outputs,
[0078] of confidentiality: the very short range of the wide band
technologies used in this patent offer better conditions for
ensuring the confidentiality of exchanges, [0079] no health risk,
the technologies, [0080] low risk of interference on the airplane
systems, given the considerably lower level of power of UWB-type
technologies (in comparison with WiFi) and [0081] this type of
technology is in the process of standardization by the EEA, which
is a proof of continuity.
* * * * *